Catch the water
Put containers under the drip and protect floors and furniture.
Leak near the chimney, a wall, vent or roof valley?
Flashing is the metal or membrane that seals the joints where a roof meets a chimney, wall, skylight or valley. When it lifts or cracks, water gets in even if the shingles are fine. Call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent roofer does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for leaks around a chimney, skylight, wall joint, dormer or valley, especially during wind-driven rain.
Is this urgent?Urgent if water is actively entering or reaching electrical fixtures.
What do I do next?Catch the water and call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and where the leak appears.
General leak: roof leak repair. Skylight: skylight leak.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
What to do
Note when it leaks
Flashing leaks often show up only in wind-driven rain or heavy storms. Note the weather each time.
Photograph from the ground
Take photos of the chimney, walls and valleys near the leak, and of the stain inside.
Stay off the roof
Do not climb onto a wet, steep or storm-damaged roof. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries. Stay clear of downed power lines and keep people out of rooms below sagging ceilings. Report downed power lines to your electric utility or 911, and stay well away from them.
Where flashing fails
Chimney flashing
The joint where a chimney meets the roof needs step flashing and counterflashing. Cracked mortar or loose counterflashing lets water behind it.
Roof-to-wall joints
Where a roof meets a wall or dormer, missing or poorly lapped step flashing lets water run behind siding.
Valleys
Valleys carry a lot of water. Damaged or worn valley metal or membrane can leak during heavy rain.
Skylights and vents
Penetrations rely on flashing kits and boots. See skylight leak repair and roof vent repair.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home, rental or business
- Where the leak shows inside
- What is above it: chimney, wall, valley, skylight or vent
- Whether it leaks in every rain or only in storms
- Roof type and rough age
How roof flashing repair usually works
- Inspection. The roofer checks the flashing, the shingles lapped over it and any sealant or mortar joints.
- Remove and replace. Damaged flashing is removed along with the shingles over it, and new step flashing or counterflashing is installed.
- Proper laps. Each piece is lapped so water always runs over the joint, not into it. Sealant is a backup, not the main seal.
- Chimney work if needed. Cracked mortar or a damaged crown may need masonry repair so water does not bypass the new flashing.
A flashing repair is usually far less expensive than a new roof. If the shingles are near the end of their life, ask whether it makes sense to redo flashing during a future replacement.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles roof flashing repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Flashing questions
Can flashing be repaired without a new roof?
Usually, yes. Flashing can be replaced in the affected area while the rest of the roof stays in place.
Why does it only leak in some storms?
Wind-driven rain can push water sideways under flashing that sheds normal rain without a problem.
Is roofing caulk enough to fix flashing?
Caulk alone is a short-term fix. It breaks down in sun and temperature swings. Lasting repairs replace or reset the flashing itself.
Who fixes chimney flashing: a roofer or a mason?
Roofers usually replace the flashing. If the brick, mortar or chimney crown is damaged, a mason may be needed too.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.